German firms GABLER and FLANQ complete sea trials for torpedo-tube-launched USV

Published Jul 15, 07:46 AM UTC

German defense firms GABLER and FLANQ have successfully completed Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) for their jointly developed Torpedo-Tube-Launched Uncrewed Surface Vessel (TTL USV) demonstrator, named Ranger. The 4.5-meter vehicle is designed to be launched from a standard 21-inch submarine torpedo tube, autonomously surface, and conduct covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It features a folding keel and sensor mast, electric drivetrain, and a mission-configurable payload bay. A one-way-attack variant, Strike, is also planned. The June 2026 trials validated key technologies and integration, marking a significant milestone toward operational capability. GABLER leads commercialization and host platform integration, while FLANQ contributes autonomous systems, AI-enabled autonomy, and open architecture. The system is intended to expand operational flexibility for hybrid naval operations by enabling rapid deployment of attritable uncrewed systems from submarines.